Kohima: The Yongshei Union Kohima (YUK) celebrated 1st Bangmo 2024 at Nphiecha, BSF Camp road, D. Khel, Kohima on Wednesday.
Bangmo is an autumn festival celebrated by the Phom Naga tribe, traditionally observed after the harvest in the paddy fields, according to the lunar calendar.
It typically begins on the third day of the new moon and lasts for seven days, marking the transition from summer to winter.
Historically, Pangmo also symbolized the lifting of restrictions on hunting and fishing, believed to be dangerous due to the presence of evil spirits before the festival. It was a time for thanksgiving, celebrating the completion of fieldwork, and repaying debts.
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The celebration spans seven days:
- Shongten laiphen: Gathering plantain leaves and bamboo for food preparation.
- Aiha okshok: Peer groups feast by slaughtering animals bought together.
- Ching okshok: Families slaughter animals for the festival.
- Yenthü: Friends and relatives gather from afar.
- Chingthem: The community celebrates with singing, dancing, and other festivities.
- Yenyan: Relatives and friends return home.
- Pangmo moinyaü: People pray for blessings and prosperity.
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Addressing the celebration, MLA Bangtick Phom shared Bangmo greetings. He stressed on the need to stay united and maintain good social well-being MLA Y. Mankhao Konyak also spoke at the celebration and stressed on the need to preserve and carry forward the good culture and traditions and to pass the same to the younger generation.
MLA Manpon Konyak called upon the people to focus on holistic development and exercise positive attitude. He also urged the people to put a collective effort for common good and vibrant society.
Earlier, a welcome address was delivered by YUK president C. Luhshong.
Yongshei Students’ Union Kohima led the singing of the Vangleng Yongshei anthem.
Maiihe Vangviingla Kohima presented folk songs while the significance of Bangmo was given by V. Longpang, Fellowship incharge YUK.
The programme was chaired by Mankham Biichem while Hamlen L. Biichem invoke God’s blessings.
Vote of thanks was proposed by YUK general secretary Er. Chingshen C. Phom.
The celebration concluded with mass prayer and benediction by Rev. Phomlee Van, pastor Kohima Phom Baptist Church. The celebration was followed by the Bangmo feast.
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